By John Spence

Internal and client meetings alike are (and will continue to be) brought to virtual platforms like Zoom. Rather than dread your calls, I offer some actionable tips to help you fight the Zoom fatigue that I have been giving my clients and practicing myself.

1. Avoid Multitasking – Turn off other electronics, keep only the Zoom call window open on your screen and don’t check your email or Facebook!
2. Avoid Other Distractions – Find a quiet place to work where you aren’t interrupted by family members or pets.
3. Build In Breaks – Set meetings for 25 or 50 minutes so that you have structured time to stretch, use the restroom, get something to drink and give your eyes and mind a little rest.
4. Reduce Onscreen Stimuli – Change the call to the “speaker view” so that you don’t see all of the other people on the call, which can be very distracting.
5. Use Good Zoom Etiquette – Join meetings on time, stick to the agenda, keep your computer on mute when not speaking and use the chat or Q&A buttons when appropriate.
6. Change Your Location – If you’re using a laptop, move around the house, or take casual meetings on your phone. Again, find that distraction-free zone.
7. Change Your Mindset – During the day, you are not working at home, your home is your office. Be sure to treat it as such.
8. Set Clear Boundaries – Create a clear separation between work time and personal/family time. Stay firm on that differentiation in time.
9. Not Every Call Needs Video – Often times, email or messaging platforms are more efficient than a Zoom call.
10. Learn to Say No – You don’t have to attend every single meeting. If you’re not going to add value or you have more important tasks to complete, have a discussion about whether you need to be involved.